معرفی
Dr. Zhidong Xiao serves as Principal Academic (Associate Professor) at Bournemouth University's National Centre for Computer Animation within the Faculty of Media and Communication. With over ten years of leadership experience including roles as Programme Leader, Head of Education, and Deputy Head of Department, he drives academic strategy and research innovation in computer animation and digital media. His work bridges technical excellence with creative industry applications through extensive collaborations across the UK and China.
Dr. Xiao's educational foundation includes a PhD in Computer Graphics (2010) and postgraduate certificates in Education Practice (2010) and Research Degree Supervision (2011) from Bournemouth University, complemented by a BEng (Hons) in Thermodynamics from Taiyuan University of Technology, China (1994).
- PhD in Computer Graphics, Bournemouth University (2010)
- PGCE in Education Practice, Bournemouth University (2010)
- PGCE in Research Degree Supervision, Bournemouth University (2011)
- BEng (Hons) in Thermodynamics, Taiyuan University of Technology (1994)
His research spans Computer Graphics, Motion Capture, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality with focus on physics-based simulation, sign language recognition, and motion synthesis. Recent work integrates partial differential equations with machine learning to solve animation challenges in facial realism, deformation simulation, and 3D reconstruction. His interdisciplinary approach connects computer science with creative industries, healthcare applications, and educational technology while advancing core techniques in neural rendering and motion analysis.
Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent innovation in physics-based animation techniques (40%), motion capture processing (25%), and neural approaches to 3D reconstruction (35%). Key trends include the fusion of analytical physics models with deep learning architectures, development of efficient real-time simulation methods, and expansion into accessibility applications through sign language recognition systems.
Scientific recognitions include:
- Fellow of British Computer Society (2023)
- Fellow of Higher Education Academy (2011)
- Best Poster Award at Pacific Graphics 2014
Dr. Xiao has supervised seven PhD students to completion while currently guiding Alexandra Sergeeva Alexdottir's research on Phantom Touch phenomena. His grant portfolio demonstrates strong industry-academia collaboration:
- Principal Investigator
- Capturing and representing sign language (British Council, 2025)
- VE Communication Programme (Erasmus+, 2020) Co-Investigator
- Rehabilitation Enhancement via Motion Capture (BU Fusion Fund, 2013)
- Cross-Channel Film Lab (Interreg, 2012)
- Digital Beijing Opera Project (2010)
As a core member of Bournemouth's Computer Graphics and Visualisation Research Group and Centre for Digital Entertainment, he leads initiatives in motion capture technology through AccessMocap Studio. His international outreach includes invited lectures across China on computer animation education and visual effects techniques, strengthening global partnerships in creative technology development.
